What is 3D laser scanning?

It is a LiDAR-based technology (Light Detection and Ranging) that emits millions of laser pulses that bounce off surrounding surfaces. By measuring the return time of each pulse, the scanner calculates the exact position of every point in space, generating a three-dimensional "point cloud": a millimetre-accurate digital replica of the scanned site.

Why the Trimble X7

Auto-calibration

Self-calibrates automatically before each scan. No periodic maintenance or manual operator adjustments needed. Reliable data from the very first shot.

Auto-leveling

Self-levels in seconds. No leveling tripod or station setup procedures required. Set up, switch on and scan.

Trimble Brand

World-leading manufacturer of survey-grade instruments and professional positioning systems. Industry reference since 1978.

Automatic Registration

Automatically links scans together without placing manual targets or spheres. Less time on site, fewer errors in processing.

Key Specifications

Resolution

from 4mm to 11mm

Imagine a grid of points at 10m: the higher the resolution, the shorter the distance between points and the more detail captured

Precision

2mm

Range accuracy (noise) at a distance of 10m from the scanner

Range

up to 80m

Equivalent to three quarters of a football pitch

Speed

500,000 pts/s

Millions of measurement points in just a few minutes

Integrated camera

3×10MP HDR 360°

Complete panoramic photograph of the surroundings at each scan position

Field of view

360° × 300°

Captures the entire environment except directly beneath the scanner

Resolution levels (point density at 10m from the scanner)

ResolutionPoint spacingTime
Low11 mm~1 min
Medium5 mm~4 min
High4 mm~7 min

Manual measurement vs. 3D laser scanning

Why measure with a scanner instead of by hand?

SURVEYING YOUR PROJECT SPACE

Dimensional accuracy of the project

Traditional

Limited information, only 2D

Measurements are typically taken at a single height or plane. This leads to accumulated errors and missing data when closing the drawing.

Laser 3D

360º Capture in XYZ

Complete recording of the environment in three dimensions via point cloud. No closure errors, maximum speed, and no data left behind.

COMPLEX GEOMETRIES

Irregular and non-orthogonal shapes

Traditional

Difficult to fit

Non-orthogonal shapes (curves or unusual angles) end up poorly represented or "forced" to fit on paper.

Laser 3D

Geometric fidelity

Captures the exact shape no matter how complex. The 3D model is an identical mirror of the real structure, ready for BIM.

HARD-TO-REACH AREAS

High zones, gaps and corners

Traditional

Restricted Access

Physical limitation in high areas or gaps. Loss of information where the operator cannot reach due to safety or distance.

Laser 3D

Range up to 80m

The laser reaches any point with direct line of sight; it enters gaps and measures distances in all directions with precision.

DELIVERABLES & POST-PROCESSING

From field to office

Traditional

Manual sketches

Notebook drawings without precision that require drawing diagonals by hand and redrawing everything from scratch at the office.

Laser 3D

CAD and BIM-ready files

Point cloud and native files ready for CAD, BIM and 3D modelling. Compatible with all technical software and viewable on any device.

Compatible software

Scanner data integrates directly with the technical software you already use, and many more:

Autodesk RevitAutoCADReCap ProTrimble RealWorksCloudCompareSketchUpRhinoNavisworks

Compatible formats

We deliver in all industry-standard formats:

Trimble
.TDX.TZF
Point Cloud
.RCP.RCS.E57.LAS
CAD
.DWG.DXF
BIM
.RVT.PLN.IFC
3D Mesh
.OBJ.FBX

No commitment. Response within 24 business hours.

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3D Laser Scanning Technology · Trimble X7 · Registra3D | Registra3D